Background and recording

"The National Anthem" is thought to have been previously attempted at recording sessions in 1994 and 1997, but according to Radiohead member Colin Greenwood, the band decided it was "too good to use it as a b-side for OK Computer singles".In the album recording, the bass is played by lead singer Thom Yorke, who wrote the riff at age 16.

In the recording sessions, band members Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood conducted the session musicians, though Yorke lacks formal musical training. Yorke stated in an interview, "The running joke when we were in the studios was, 'Just blow. Just blow, just blow, just blow'", referring to the chaotic brass section sound. Although the recording sounds chaotic, each instrument is playing a solo to the riff.